The streets of Minneapolis have been marred by tragedy once again as a young mother, identified as 35-year-old Lilian Magali Poalacin Perez, died after being shot alongside her 2-year-old son. The shooting occurred on the night of May 19 in an alley off Cedar Avenue, as reported by FOX 9. In a desperate bid for her child's survival, Perez managed to drive her son to Children's Minnesota despite her critical injuries.
Perez succumbed to her injuries at Hennepin County Medical Center three days after an attack, now being investigated as a homicide by the Minneapolis Police Department. The child, who was shot in the face, is expected to survive. Information obtained by KARE 11 stated that police responded to the scene after ShotSpotter technology detected four gunshots. But the identity of the assailant remains unknown, and no arrests have been made.
A vigil paying tribute to Perez's life and her act of heroism was held a week later, with dozens of members from the local and Latino communities present. "We need more members of the community coming out," a spokesperson at the vigil emphasized, urging witnesses or anyone with information to step forward, "If you see something, say something."
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara expressed his condemnation of the violence. "I am deeply saddened to learn that the mother of this child has lost her life in such a senseless act of violence," O’Hara told reporters. This incident underscores the pervasive issue of gun violence which continues to rob families of their loved ones. Homicide investigators are actively seeking evidence and witness statements to ascertain the circumstances surrounding a deadly altercation. Chief O’Hara is calling on the public to contact CrimeStoppers with any potentially relevant information.
